Self-screening for significant bacteriuria. Evaluation of dip-strip combination nitrite/culture test

A self-administered dip-strip device was used to screen for urinary tract infection in female subjects. Fifty-two cases of significant persistent bacteriuria were detected among 2,250 subjects by simultaneous use of pourplate quantitative cultures. The dip-strip culture test had good reliability in detecting Gram-negative organisms. Repeated nitrite tests, performed on first-morning specimens and read by the patient, also had good reliability in detecting Gram-negative bacteria. No false-positive test occurred. The device is effective in screening out contaminants, thus decreasing the need for repeated testing.